faq

Q: Why name the blog Get-to-Work?

Whether you’re looking for a job, working for yourself out of desire or necessity, or simply trying to advance your career, this blog will help you roll up your sleeves and get to work. In these hard times, work is not to be taken for granted. Let’s help each other find and keep the kind of work that supports our needs and satisfies our passions.

Q: What kind of help can you offer?

Job searching has changed so much over the years that the process of finding opportunities can be overwhelming. Many times people will take jobs based on limited knowledge of their interests and end up spending the majority of their time wishing for another job that is more satisfying. A job search is really a process of understanding the applications of search techniques and the mind games that accompany the highs and lows of a transition.

Q: What if I am self-employed or thinking about going out on my own?

Then you are in one of the fastest growing segments of the workforce. Traditional jobs may be harder to come by, but there are now more contract opportunities, consulting arrangements and small business ideas than ever. So you’re not alone. Sharing experiences and problems with this growing community of entrepreneurs is one of our goals.

Q: I am a hiring manager or recruiter. Should I be here?

Definitely! You have the richest experiences and can offer the best advice to people who are in a difficult time in their careers. Plus, you may also find good candidates for your own needs among the job-seekers and contractors who add valuable insights and comments.

Q: Even in a tough job market, do people really land good jobs?

Yes. The difference in a tough job market is that it sometimes takes longer to land a job and you need to use all the job search tools at your disposal. Use social networking skills and articulate your personal brand statement to stand out from the crowd. Finding good opportunities in a tight market might require the possibility of relocating. No matter what the job market looks like it is always important to stay current with skills and be aware of transferable skills. Your previous industry may not be the one you find opportunity. Instead look to the market place for skills that are in demand.

Q: What is the most common mistake job seekers make?

Failing to plan their job search. Often job seekers aim their resume at any job posting and hope for the best. You should never give up hope, but “hoping and wishing” is not a good strategy. Sit down and plan your job search. If you have no idea of where you want to go then how will you get there? It is amazing the progress job seekers make once they have a structure to follow.

Q: Do you have to have a resume in order to land a good job?

Yes. Most likely you will be asked for a resume to represent your background and experience. A resume is a marketing document to showcase value of what you can contribute immediately to an employer rather than an obituary of the past.

Q: What are some resume dos and don’ts?

Don’t emulate the candidate who offered a one-paragraph, hand-written resume addressed to, “To Whom it May Concern.” Good resumes are brief yet show result-oriented accomplishments that match the candidate’s experience and key skills to the employer’s needs. Don’t get hung up over whether your resume should be one page or two pages. Use the type of resume that best fits your needs. The number of pages is less important than the content.

Q: What kinds of interview questions cause job seekers the most difficulty?

Job candidates that are unprepared for interviews can fumble any question. Usually the interviews that are more challenging have to do with a style called behavioral questions, such as “Tell me about a time in which one of your projects failed”? Interviewing is an exchange of questions and answers where you help the hiring decision maker feel at ease with their choice in hiring you.
Being confident with a good listening ear can set the tone for a good interview.

Q: How should job seekers go about influencing an employer to hire them?

Be genuinely concerned about the employer’s needs. A job candidate should be a problem solver and demonstrate good communication skills. Hiring decision makers know when a candidate has researched their company and has taken the time to understand the organizational culture. Asking good questions and being prepared for the unexpected always helps.